Reputation is an important topic addressed in various parts of the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible stresses the significance of maintaining a good reputation. It underscores the concept that the way others perceive us plays a critical role in our relationships, social dealings, and overall success in life. This is not to say that the Bible encourages obsession over public image but instead it encourages living a life of integrity, truth, and respect that naturally creates a good reputation.
What Does the Bible Say About Reputation?
The Bible constantly reminds us of the importance of walking in righteousness and maintaining a good character. It sets forth the idea that a person’s reputation is heavily tied to their character. The Bible explains reputation as the outward perception that people have of an individual based on their actions, words, and deeds. It teaches that foundational virtues such as honesty, integrity, kindness, and humility are the pillars of a good reputation. It discourages deceit and wickedness, as these traits tarnish one’s reputation.
Why Is Reputation Valued in the Bible?
In the biblical context, reputation is valued for several reasons. Primarily, a good reputation is seen as a reflection of a righteous life. The Bible posits that leading a morally sound life leads to respect in the community and strengthens one’s reputation. Another aspect is that a good reputation opens doors of opportunities, enhances trust, and fosters stronger bonds among community members. This proves especially important when people look for trustworthy allies or partners in various life situations. The Bible underscores that a pristine reputation built on the bedrock of fundamental virtues holds immeasurable value.
Where Does the Bible Discuss the Consequences of a Bad Reputation?
The Bible presents plenty of instances where it warns individuals about the consequences of nurturing a bad reputation. It instructs that unethical actions, deceit, and unkindness, which foster a negative reputation, can lead to desertion, mistrust, and distance from others. It articulates that these actions can obstruct one’s potential to form meaningful and enriching relationships. Moreover, it highlights that a tarnished reputation has far-reaching consequences, not only affecting the individual concerned but also their family and community. It conveys this as a message to lead an upright life and eschew actions that may be detrimental to one’s reputation.
Who Does the Bible Encourage To Protect Their Reputation?
The Bible encourages everyone, without exception, to protect and care for their reputation. While it specifically highlights the accountability of leaders, the Bible’s teachings apply equally to all members of society, irrespective of their social standing, age, or profession. It advises everyone to lead a life marked by moral integrity, sincerity, and respect for others. This, as the Bible explains, naturally leads to a good reputation, and it is this reputation that becomes a precious asset for an individual.
When Does the Bible Argue Reputation Overrides Wealth?
In multiple instances, the Bible places reputation above wealth. It stresses the idea that a virtuous person with a good reputation is more valuable than a rich person with a bad reputation. The Bible underscores that material wealth is temporary and cannot buy a good reputation, which is a result of consistent righteous behavior. A strong reputation, it argues, is a testament to one’s character and moral standing, which stands to be much more valuable than fleeting worldly riches.
Below is our full list of bible verses on reputation (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Reputation
Proverbs 22:1
“1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Ecclesiastes 7:1
“1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.”
Philippians 2:7
“7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
Related Themes: Humility Servanthood
1 Peter 2:12
“12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Morals Morality Gossip
Ecclesiastes 10:1
“1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”
Matthew 5:16
“16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Related Themes: Strangers Complaining Light Attitude
1 Timothy 3:7
“7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Related Themes: Satan
Proverbs 10:7
“7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”
Related Themes: Memory
1 Timothy 3:2-7
“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Acts 16:2
“2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
1 Corinthians 15:33
“33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Related Themes: Dating Friendship Morals Morality
Philippians 4:5
“5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Related Themes: Indulgence Gentleness Gluttony Moderation
Matthew 7:17
“17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
Luke 1:37
“37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Criticism Strangers Creativity Faith
Acts 17:10-11
“10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Omnipotence Frustration Lust
1 Peter 1:14
“14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:”
2 Timothy 3:3-4
“3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Self-Control
James 3:10-12
“10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
Revelation 3:1
“1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”
Related Themes: Life Repentance
John 14:6
“6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Life Truth Homelessness
1 Peter 2:11-12
“11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Proverbs 20:11
“11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”
1 Corinthians 4:1
“1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
Related Themes: Morality Morals Homelessness Stewardship
Philippians 1:27
“27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
Related Themes: Attitude Lust Perseverance Courage
Proverbs 26:18-19
“18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?”
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Philippians 2:29
“29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:”
Isaiah 43:6-7
“6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”
Related Themes: Earth
